Matthew Hill

Public Inquiries

Matthew has been instructed as Lead Junior Counsel to the Infected Blood Inquiry and the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse. Previously, he worked on the Detainee Inquiry, the Al-Sweady Public Inquiry and the Bloody Sunday Inquiry. He has represented prominent Core Participants in the Covid-19 Public Inquiry and the Post Office Horizon IT Public Inquiry. He is assisting Angus McCullough KC in his independent review of the conduct of the Police Service of Northern Ireland arising from concerns raised in relation to surveillance of journalists and other groups.

He is ranked as a Star Individual by Chambers & Partners and a Tier 1 junior by Legal 500. Recent editorial includes:

• “There is no other junior who has as broad and deep a level of experience. He is a true force of nature and is extremely impressive on expert evidence.” Chambers & Partners 2026
• “Matthew is hard-working and forensic in his approach, with strong advocacy and client care skills.” Chambers & Partners 2026
• “Matthew is outstanding. He is a very thorough, clever and measured advocate.” Chambers & Partners 2026
• “He is a fantastic lawyer, hugely hard-working and reliable.” Legal 500 2026
• “Matthew has a very analytical approach to things. He is very hard-working.” Chambers & Partners 2025
• “Matthew is meticulous in his preparation and he is a real authority.” Chambers & Partners 2025
• “Matthew has a very nice advocacy style, but above all, he is extremely well organised and marshals his submissions very well. He completely gets on top of the facts.” Chambers & Partners 2025
• “Matthew is nothing short of a machine and nothing is ever too much. The quality of his work in writing is exceptional.” Chambers & Partners 2025
• “Matthew is simply the strongest inquest and inquiries junior in the market.  Fair-minded and trusted.” Legal 500 2025

Selected Cases

• The McCullough Review (ongoing): Matthew is assisting Angus McCullough KC in conducting this review for the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland
• Covid-19 Public Inquiry (ongoing): Matthew is instructed by the Government Office for Science.
• Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry (ongoing): Matthew is instructed by UK Government Investments.
• The Infected Blood Inquiry (2018-2024): Matthew was instructed as Lead Junior Counsel to the Inquiry, which examined the infection of NHS patients through the use of blood and blood products.
• The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (2016 – 2022): Matthew was Lead Junior Counsel to the Inquiry in one of its investigative strands and has advised on wider issues of public law.
• The Al-Sweady Public Inquiry (2010-2012): Matthew was part of the team representing more than 500 soldiers in a public inquiry into allegations of the mistreatment of detainees following a battle in Iraq.
• The Detainee Inquiry (2011-2012): Matthew acted for the Inquiry, which examined allegations of complicity by the UK in the rendition, torture and mistreatment of detainees overseas.
• The Bloody Sunday Inquiry (2002-2009): Matthew worked as an historian on the inquiry into the events of 30 January 1972, in which thirteen people were killed following a civil rights march in Northern Ireland. He worked with Counsel to the Inquiry and the Tribunal.